Moriah Hodge Leads Spartan Women Over North Alabama

FLORENCE, Ala. - The University of Tampa (2-3) women's basketball team picked up a South Region victory as it defeated the University of North Alabama (3-3) on the road by a 65-63 score. The game was the first of two days at the North Alabama tournament.

The Spartans came out ahead in a close game as junior Moriah Hodge led all scorers with 27 points. The Indiana State University transfer also registered a team-high four steals as the post player connected on a pair of 3-pointers. All of Hodge's steals were in the second half to propel her team.

The Lions took a 29-27 lead to the half as it led by as many as seven points in the initial period. UT would go on an 11-0 run to open the second half and take its largest lead of the evening at 38-29 with 17:53 showing on the clock.

Down by nine points, North Alabama would respond with a rally of its own as it outscored UT 12-2 to regain the lead, 41-40. Following a pair of lead changes, the Spartans would go ahead and not surrender another lead to the Lions.

Hodge would seal the Tampa victory as her final steal came with 21 seconds remaining as the Lions had the ball with UT holding a slim 62-61 lead. She would connect on both free throws on the ensuing foul to put the Spartans up by three points. Teammate Kamari Smith would add another free throw with just one second remaining as UNA was unable to get off a last-second shot.

Tampa's five starters were the lone players to score for head coach Tom Jessee's squad, with Illyssa Vivo adding 16 points. Sarah Wickham was also in double figures with 12.For Hodge, Vivo and Wickham, each registered a season-high in points as Hodge has now scored in double figures in three straight contests.

Vivo also led all Spartans with seven rebounds as Smith pulled down six. Vivo also had three assists as the Spartans also forced 18 UNA turnovers.

Tampa will wrap up its Thanksgiving trip on Saturday as it faces another Gulf South Conference and South Region opponent in the University of West Georgia. The game is scheduled for 6 p.m. Live stats will be available through tampaspartans.com.

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